Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Early breast cancer usually does not cause physical pain, and symptoms may not initially be noticeable. As the cancer grows, it can cause changes that include:

A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

A change in the shape or size of the breast

Nipple discharge or tenderness

Inverted nipple

Ridges or pitting of the breast (resembling the skin of an orange)

A change in the way the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (dark area surrounding the nipple), looks or feels (for example, warm, swollen, red, or scaly)

A sore or ulcer on the breast that does not heal

If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for an examination.

These symptoms are often associated with breast cancer that has progressed from its earliest stages.
Mammography
can often detect a breast cancer before it is large enough to produce any of these symptoms. For this reason, regular mammograms are recommended, making it more likely that breast cancer will be detected at its earliest and most curable stages.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.